Bishop George Lungu launches Zambia’s Lenten fund appeal 2020

The Bishop of Chipata Diocese and President of the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB), George Cosmas Zumaire Lungu has told the Catholic faithful that Lent is an opportune time to pursue the journey towards personal and communal conversion.

English Africa Service – Vatican City

“(In Zambia), we are currently facing major challenges in all aspects of our human life, be it socio-economic, political, cultural and religious. Nonetheless, know that God’s Word has the power to open our eyes and hearts so that we can renounce our sinful ways and embrace a new path of sharing; solidarity, respect for the rule of law; respect for human dignity; reverence for the sacredness of life, dialogue, reconciliation and love. In this way, we shall truly claim to be children of God,” the Bishop said.

Notwithstanding all the challenges facing the country, Bishop Lungu urged Zambians to listen to the Word of God as contained in the book of Isaiah Chapter 58:6-8. The Word of God invites the believer to break the chains of injustice, rid society of exploitation and to strive towards the ideal of living righteous lives.

Ordinary charity work in very extraordinary ways

In launching the Zambia national Lenten Campaign 2020, Bishop Lungu said the Zambian Church’s initiative was, in fact, a local response to Pope Emeritus, Benedict XVI’s call for the faithful to do ordinary charity work in very extraordinary ways.

“Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI reminds us that, 'Service of charity is a constitutive element of the Church’s mission and an indispensable expression of her very being.’ He further said that all the faithful have the right and duty to devote themselves personally to living the new commandment that Christ left us with and to offer our contemporaries not only material assistance but also refreshment and care for their souls.” the Chipata Ordinary emphasised.

Creating a ZCCB emergency fund

According to Bishop Lungu, Zambia and its neighbours have, in recent years, become more and more susceptible to natural calamities and the local Church's hierarchy wants to create a fund that would immediately be available for humanitarian missions should such emergencies arise.

“We, therefore, call upon you all to be part of the National Campaign for contributions towards charity. This appeal is not only meant for the Catholic faithful and Catholic organisations. It is also addressed to all people of goodwill. You know what the Catholic Church means and does when she embarks on such a campaign in an effort to reach out to people in need. With reccurring incidences of calamities due to climate change, we need to be proactive. When nature strikes, it does not respect rank, colour, tribe, creed and status. Time to prepare is now. Time to give and help is now. Be assured that your contributions, regardless of the amount, will be channelled to genuine beneficiaries in a very accountable and transparent manner,” said Bishop Lungu.